Pekingese

The Pekingese has a pampered past and were treated as royalty by the Chinese. The first record of a Pekingese was the 8th century in the T’ang Dynasty. They were bred to be lap dogs and were named after the city of Peking, which is now called Beijing. They are tiny, toy breed dogs with a flat face, furry mane (like a lion), floppy ears, and a confident expression. The Chinese believed the Pekingese was the offspring of a lion that fell in love with a marmoset. They come in many colors such as black, cream, fawn, gray, red, sable, red, and white.

Purpose

Lap dog

Date of Origin

8th Century

Ancestry

Unknown

Pekingese Health

Average Size

Height: 6-9 inchesWeight: 8-14 lbs

Height: 6-9 inchesWeight: 7-13 lbs

Major Concerns

Patellar Luxation

Entropion

Skin Fold Dermatitis

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome

Minor Concerns

KCS

Hydrocephalus

Eye Disease

Mitral Valve Disease

Occasional Tests

Eye

Knee

Heart

X-Rays

Eye Examination

Physical Examination

Respiratory Tests

Pekingese Breed History

According to legend, the Pekingese is a result of a lion and a marmoset who fell in love. The legend also says that they were named Lion dogs because they looked like the ancient guard lions of China that were called Shishi or Pelchie dogs. It was believed that these dogs had mystical powers that could protect the palaces and temples. They were only owned by royalty during that time and they were so revered that they had their own servants. The penalty for stealing one was death. In addition, when a member of royalty died, their dog was euthanized and buried with their master to accompany them to the afterlife. During the 8th century, the Pekingese was treated like royalty and never allowed to leave the palace until the discovery of the breed during the Opium Wars of 1860. Five Pekingese were found during the invasion of the Imperial Summer Palace and were brought to Britain where one was given to Queen Victoria. She named him Looty because of how the dogs were acquired. Once the Pekingese was brought to Britain, they immediately became popular but their rarity caused the price to be too much for anyone but the most wealthy. In the old days, Pekingese were once called Sleeve Pekingese because they were carried in the large sleeves of the royal robes worn in the palaces. The Pekingese was accepted into the American Kennel Club around 1906 and is the 93rd most popular dogs in the United States.

Pekingese Breed Appearance

The Pekingese coat is long and comes in many colors such as white; red sable; red; gray; fawn sable; fawn; cream; black and tan; black; and biscuit. Some of the markings include a black muzzle with white markings; black muzzle; black mask with white markings; black face with white markings; black face; white markings; parti-color; and a black mask. They resemble tiny lions with a body that is heavier in the front than the back, a rolling gait, extravagant coat, thick mane, dense undercoat, and coarse overcoat. The Pekingese is well balanced and compact with an independent and courageous expression. They are usually under 14 pounds and about 8 inches tall. The head is massive and broad with a flat face, black nose and lips, and dark eyes. The ears are shaped like hearts and lie against the head. Feathering and fringing of the coat at the ears, chest, and underside is normal. Because of the flattened face, certain illnesses and breathing difficulties are expected.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Fawn

Cream

Brindle

Gray

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Pekingese Breed Maintenance

The Pekingese is a high maintenance breed because they need to be brushed thoroughly on a daily basis. This should be done with a small bristle brush after spritzing conditioning spray or water on the coat. This prevents the hair from breaking when brushed. You have to be sure to brush them all the way to the skin to remove the dead hair and avoid mats. A metal comb is best to use on the fringed areas to help loosen tangled fur. It is best to trim the hair on the feet to prevent mats and the attachment of foreign objects . You should bathe your Pekingese at least twice per month with conditioning shampoo recommended by a veterinarian. A dry shampoo is sometimes used between shampoos to keep the fur healthy and clean. Check your dog’s ears weekly for wax, dirt, and debris. You also need to brush your dog’s teeth often because Pekingese are sometimes prone to dental issues and bad breath. They need plenty of exercise and should be walked daily to work off that excess energy.

Brushes for Pekingese

Slicker Brush

Comb

Scissors

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Pekingese Temperament

The Pekingese is an independent and headstrong dog with very little fear so they will go after animals 10 times their size without thinking twice in order to protect their family. This quality makes them very good watchdogs but it can also get them into trouble due to their small size. They can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak but if you use crate training and stick to a schedule, they can be taught to do what they are supposed to do. The Pekingese like children but are better with children over five years old. They do not like to be teased or woken up and can be quite noisy if left alone. The Pekingese can get along well with other dogs if they are socialized when young. They make excellent lap dogs because that is what they were bred for so as long as you have the patience to train your dog, the Pekingese should be a wonderful addition to your family.

Top Pekingese Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Pekingese breeders of 2019.

Oakhill Pekingese

Salem, Oregon

Lon-Du Pekingese

Monticello, Iowa

Desert Jade Pekingese

Las Vegas, Nevada

Quidnunc Kennel

Lake Waukomis, Missouri

Caney Creek Pekingese

Pall Mall, Tennessee

Pekingese Owner Experiences

Charlotte

4 Years

1 People

Apartment

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Charlotte is a rescue dog whom I adopted from her Foster owner 6 months ago. She is highly intelligent and quickly and willingly adjusted to her new living conditions with me.
Charlotte is very flexible, enjoying both lying around the house or going on adventurous walks. During warm weather it is very important to not over exert Pekes. Frequent rest stops are necessary, as is hydration (bring water along). If your Peke starts to pant excessivly, stop the walk and carry her back. Also carry her over steps as their legs and joints though quite stocky are too small to do climbing.
Pekes are good with people and other dogs, but on their own terms. If they happen to feel moody, or if handled in a way percieved as a threat, they can snap suddenly at the handler. For this reason extra care and vigilance is needed during interaction with kids and older folks.
Pekes also snore at night, ranging from mild to wild. If left alone, chances are good they will bark a lot at outside noises which comes with the breed and is instinctive, not abberent behavior- they were purposfully bred as guard dogs and are very good at it. Not however a good fit for apartments with other units in close proximity where the dog can be heard.
Pekes are loyal, sometimes fiercly so, smart, loving and moody, adaptable to your moods also and very attentive to and attached to their owners without being clingy. A great breed.

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Kooper

8 Weeks

3 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

This is my first Pekingese but I love him. He is very active (only 8 weeks old) and loves to play but very vocal. He is very opinionated and if he doesn't like something he will definitely let you know.

4 months, 1 week ago

Oscar

4 Months

1 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Training and fetch

training

Love getting to know him he is amazing

7 months, 1 week ago

8 Years

People

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Walk

Explore the city

This gal had the dog stomach flu the first time I met her, she nonetheless was still full of energy and ready to hit the sidewalk. She was very interested in sniffing everything and exploring every inch of the sidewalk and was relatively difficult to corral—she didn't have to many of her commands down very well, was not interested in the treats that I had, and was not particularly interested in my affection. Although she's very small, she had no problem keeping up a good pace during our walk. She's got a big personality and a lot of energy for her size. She had gotten over her doggy flu the next time we hung out and was a little more personable, but she was primarily occupied with the sights and sounds around us. It was surprising to see how unphased she was over loud noises and bigger dogs; she's a forward little dog with a big personality.

1 year ago

6 Years

People

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Laying down

eating

Sniffing

this Dog is very spoil, it likes to go for walks but it only takes care of business, and wants to come back. very aware of the surrounding, and loyal.Sweet with estrangers, it won't bite you when u come in. will just sniff to approve ;)

1 year, 1 month ago

Nikkichin

13 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

She so lovable and loyal protective of her surrounding and home and Master. Watching her in the backyard running and playing we live next to a park, Nikki looks thru the fence to the other dogs running in the park.